There’s something about coming back from a big trip that makes me want to bottle it all up before the memories start to blur. Two weeks split between Miami and Orlando felt like two very different holidays rolled into one – the perfect mix of city, beach, and theme park magic.
Our summer adventure started in Miami, and while four days felt far too short, it gave us the perfect taste of the city – sunshine, beaches, colour, and plenty of food. Miami has a way of being both laid-back and full of life, and we loved every second.
Travel Diary: Miami in 4 Days
Where we stayed
We based ourselves in the Art Deco district, in a beachfront hotel that gave us the best of both worlds – the pastel charm of South Beach right on the doorstep and the ocean just a few steps away. Waking up to sea views and stepping straight onto the sand each morning made such a difference. It felt like a little oasis in the middle of all the colour and energy of Miami.
The Art Deco district is concentrated in Miami Beach, primarily between 5th and 23rd Streets along Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue, and Washington Avenue. We stayed at The Avalon on 7th street which was a fantastic location as it was on the quieter end of the strip.
Where We Went
South Beach & Lummus Park – pastel lifeguard huts, early morning walks on the sand, riding bikes and people-watching as the city woke up.
Wynwood Walls – huge murals, street art on every corner, and a brilliant mix of cafés and shops. The street art experience is a must!
Little Havana and Calle Oche – Cuban food, live music, and streets that felt alive with colour and history.
Lincoln Road – afternoon strolls, rooftop views, and somewhere to stop for dinner after a day shopping and exploring.
Inter Miami Game – a pinch-me moment, watching Messi play was something we’ll never forget.
Food and restaurants
This deserves its own spotlight. Miami is such a foodie city, and we barely scratched the surface. Here’s a list of where we ate…
Breakfast at Bacon Bitch (great breakfast but unusual experience) and the Avalon Hotel (our hotel, our favourite).
Tacos at The Taco Stand on Lincoln Road, incredible and very reasonably priced.
Burgermeister in South Beach – the burgers are legendary, a place we stumbled across on our first night. So good.
Monty’s Sunset Bar – live music, happy hour and casual waterfront dining on the Marina. The best ribs we’ve ever eaten!
With a Teen in Tow
Miami worked brilliantly with a 14-year-old. George loved the street art experience in Wynwood, the energy of Little Havana, and, of course, the football. The mix of beaches, city life, and things to see meant he never felt bored – which is a win on any family holiday.
Tip: Four days is a great introduction, but if we went back I’d add an extra day just to slow down. Miami has a rhythm of its own, and you need space to sit back and soak it all in.
Getting Around
We hired a car from Miami Airport, which gave us the freedom to dart between beaches, districts, and evening plans. Parking can be tricky in some areas, but we found a multi storey car park on 7th Street very close to our hotel. It cost $20 a day. For the most part we walked around Miami however we found travelling around with ease.










Travel Diary: Miami in 4 Days
Miami was the calm before the Orlando storm – a city break wrapped in sunshine, sea air, and plenty of colour. It gave us adventure without feeling rushed, and a few memories we’ll be talking about for years. We fell in love.